Friday, August 15 – Revelation 7, 8

1. What does the sealing of the 144,000 symbolize, and how is it connected to the great multitude described in Revelation 7?

2. What is the significance of the half-hour silence in heaven mentioned in Revelation 8:1?

We must acknowledge that chapters 7 and 8 pose interpretive challenges that we can overcome with God’s help. Even among us Adventists, there are diverse opinions about who the 144,000 and the great multitude are. Some believe that the “silence for about half an hour in heaven” refers to when heaven is emptied to accompany Jesus at His coming.

It is essential to maintain humility when interpreting the symbols of Revelation and to understand that no one has a monopoly on truth. Our unity should be focused on the great event of the Second Coming of Christ and our final deliverance.

Chapter 7 should be understood in the context immediately preceding it. Chapter 6 concludes with a vital question related to the sixth seal: “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Rev. 6:17, NKJV)

Chapter 7 then acts as a pause or interlude between the sixth and seventh seals to address that question. Those who will be able to withstand are the sealed. The purpose of the sealing is to prepare or empower the children of God so they can successfully endure the difficult times of the last days.

The chapter is divided into two sections. In verses 1–8, it discusses the 144,000; in verses 9–17, it describes the great multitude. The question is: are these two groups distinct or the same? An exegesis suggests that both represent the same group: those who were sealed. The 144,000 may be a symbolic number, while the great multitude shows the interpretation of the symbol.

In biblical numerology, the number 12 symbolizes the people of God, both in the Old and New Testaments. The mention of the twelve tribes is not literal, as by the end of the first century they had been scattered. The Church is considered the new spiritual Israel.

First, we see them preparing to go through the time of trouble (vv. 1–8). Then we see them victorious, enjoying the verdict of vindication and access to the Sanctuary (vv. 9–17). First, they participate in the Day of Atonement; then they celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with palm branches in their hands (cf. Lev. 23:39–43).

Revelation 14:1 also mentions the 144,000 assembled on Mount Zion, the site of the temple. These were gathered through the three angels’ message (Rev. 14:6–12).

With the close of chapter 7, the sealing interlude concludes. We are now introduced to the seventh seal: “There was silence in heaven for about half an hour” (Rev. 8:1). What John sees in vision is no longer on earth but in heaven. The first five verses of Revelation 8 serve as the preamble to the vision of the seven trumpets. While the seals reveal the suffering of the church, the trumpets address the preliminary judgments on the enemies of God’s faithful people.

The silence happens when the scroll is completely opened. It is a silence of analysis, of close observation of the plan of redemption. It is also the silence of the Day of Atonement.

Other Silences in the History of Salvation:

• “The mystery which was kept secret since the world began” (Romans 16:25, NKJV).

• “While Christ was enduring the agony of Gethsemane and the death on the cross of Calvary.” “All heaven beheld the awful scene in silent amazement. The heavenly angels were watching with intense interest the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son.” —The Desire of Ages, p. 642.

The half-hour period indicates that this analysis will be brief. Then God will break His silence to intervene (Isaiah 42:13–14; 62:1). This silence gives way to the Second Coming of Christ. We are now living in that silence! Amen, Hallelujah!

As in previous visions, a prelude leads us into the Sanctuary. In the Old Testament, trumpets were used for the Day of Atonement, battles, royal coronations, to gather people, and to warn of danger.

In both the Old and New Testaments, trumpets symbolize God’s intervention in history. They serve as eschatological warnings, indicating historical judgments that foreshadow the plagues. They represent manifestations of God’s wrath and a call to repentance. Before the final trumpets, an announcement is made: “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth…” (Rev. 8:13, NKJV)

Chapter 7 assures us that the children of God will be sealed to endure the time of trouble. Let us pray to God to strengthen our faith so we can stay firm.

Christ is coming soon! Maranatha!